2 cups water

4 tea bags, black

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

8 cups milk OR vanilla soymilk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract, pure

2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

1-1/2 teaspoons Ground Nutmeg

1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves

1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Remove from heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bags.

Stir in sugar and cocoa. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Add milk, vanilla and spices. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is heated through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Do not boil. Strain, if desired. Pour into warm mugs. Garnish each with whipping cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.